8 Chain Restaurants With The Worst Chicken Pot Pie And 7 With The Absolute Best
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food, cherished for its flaky crust and savory filling. However, not all chain restaurants excel in delivering this classic dish. We’ve compiled a detailed list of 8 chain restaurants where the chicken pot pie fails to impress and 7 where it shines brightly. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or seeking a modern twist, this guide helps you navigate the best and worst offerings from popular chains.
1. Boston Market
Once renowned for its homemade taste, Boston Market’s chicken pot pie has taken a turn for the worse. The crust, once flaky, is now often rubbery, making each bite less enjoyable. Meanwhile, the filling has an off-putting gelatinous texture, deviating from the comforting warmth expected from a pot pie.
Though it was a go-to choice for many, the dish has unfortunately lost much of its former charm. Loyal customers might remember the delightful taste it once had, adding to the disappointment. It’s a dish that requires a return to its former glory.
Searching for a comforting classic? This might not be the one.
2. Marie Callender’s (Frozen version served in cafes)
Marie Callender’s pot pie, particularly the frozen version served in cafes, is a tale of potential unfulfilled. The crust, when done right, hints at greatness. However, the filling tells another story, often overly salty and having a paste-like consistency that detracts from any culinary delight.
Patrons seeking a homemade feel may find it lacking, as the interior feels mass-produced. The saltiness overwhelms the senses, overshadowing any subtle flavors. Despite the promise of a cozy meal, this pot pie might leave taste buds yearning for authenticity.
A dish with potential, but needs refinement.
3. KFC
KFC’s chicken pot pie offers a compact serving that might seem inviting at first glance. However, it often misses the mark on delivering a true pie experience. The filling tends to be overly salty and soupy, lacking the comforting thickness a pot pie enthusiast might crave.
Instead of a traditional crust, a soft, biscuit-like top covers the dish, leading to a microwave leftover feel. The result is a dish that promises more than it delivers, falling short of culinary satisfaction.
Looking for indulgence? You might want to explore elsewhere.
4. Perkins
Perkins’ attempt at a comforting chicken pot pie often falls flat, with a bland, gray-tinted stew filling that fails to excite the palate. The crust, rather than being a golden delight, often turns out chewy, leaving diners wanting more in flavor and texture.
It’s a pie that struggles to justify the calorie count, offering little reward for its consumption. While it aims to provide a homely feel, the blandness turns it into a forgettable meal.
For those seeking a flavorful escape in a pot pie, this might not be the right choice.
5. Denny’s
Denny’s chicken pot pie is a hit-or-miss affair, with inconsistency marking its key trait. Some servings may turn out dry inside, masking the potential comfort that the dish could provide. Chicken pieces often feel more like fillers than stars of the dish.
The inconsistency can lead to an unpredictable dining experience, leaving diners unsure of what they’ll get. While it might occasionally hit the mark, more often than not, it leaves much to be desired.
Those craving reliability might find this pot pie lacking consistency in taste and texture.
6. Bob Evans
Bob Evans offers a chicken pot pie that can be heavy on the stomach without much in flavor return. The filling often turns out thick and gloppy, making it a dish that weighs down rather than delights. The crust fails to achieve freshness, adding to the overall mediocrity.
Despite the potential for hearty satisfaction, the taste doesn’t quite deliver the expected payoff. Diners looking for a flavor-packed meal may find this option lacking.
While it attempts to provide comfort, it may not be the fulfilling experience pot pie lovers desire.
7. Cracker Barrel (at some locations)
Cracker Barrel’s chicken pot pie can be a gamble, with quality varying wildly across locations. At its worst, it serves a soggy, bland dish that includes barely any chicken, turning a potential delight into a disappointment.
When it misses, it misses big time. The inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when expectations are not met. It’s a dish that might be best approached with caution, depending on the location.
For those seeking consistency, this might not be the most reliable option.
8. Golden Corral
Golden Corral’s chicken pot pie often suffers from being produced in mass batches and left under heat lamps. The result is a mushy, lukewarm mess that fails to capture the essence of a comforting pot pie.
While the buffet-style might appeal to some, the quality of the dish often leaves much to be desired. The pie’s consistency and flavor are compromised, offering a less-than-satisfying experience.
For those seeking warmth and homemade taste, this might not be the right destination.
9. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory offers a chicken pot pie that truly stands out with its huge, flaky crust. The filling is rich and creamy, loaded with tender chicken, carrots, peas, and a sauce that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
It captures the essence of comfort food, providing a satisfying experience that is both filling and flavorful. It’s a dish that lives up to the expectations, making it a must-try for pot pie enthusiasts.
For those seeking indulgence, this pot pie delivers in every sense.
10. Bakers Square
Bakers Square presents a chicken pot pie that can be considered a comfort food sleeper hit. Often overlooked, this dish surprises with its flaky crust and well-seasoned filling that actually tastes like real food.
It’s a dish that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, yet offers a delightful experience for those who choose it. The flavors are balanced, providing a warming and satisfying meal.
For those searching for a hidden gem, this pot pie offers a pleasant surprise.
11. Corner Bakery Café
Corner Bakery Café offers a creative twist on the traditional chicken pot pie with their chicken pot pie soup served in a bread bowl. It’s creamy and peppery, providing a satisfying experience without feeling greasy.
The innovative approach adds a new dimension to a classic dish, making it a unique offering for diners. The bread bowl complements the soup, adding to the comfort factor.
For those seeking something different, this creative adaptation is worth a try.
12. Eat’n Park
Eat’n Park’s chicken pot pie stands as a regional gem, offering real old-school flavor. The flaky, golden crust on top pairs beautifully with a savory, well-balanced filling that doesn’t skimp on chicken.
It’s a dish that embodies tradition, providing a comforting experience reminiscent of home-cooked meals. The flavors meld together harmoniously, delivering satisfaction in every bite.
For those longing for nostalgia, this pot pie provides a delightful taste of the past.
13. First Watch (seasonal offering)
First Watch’s seasonal chicken pot pie offers a fresh-tasting experience with clean ingredients and a crisp puff pastry crust. It leans more towards gourmet than diner, yet retains a homey feel that pot pie lovers look for.
The attention to detail in the ingredients shines through, making it a memorable offering. When in season, it’s a dish that stands out, offering a delightful take on a classic.
For those in pursuit of something gourmet yet comforting, this pot pie is a worthy choice.
14. Mimi’s Café
Mimi’s Café infuses French-American flair into their chicken pot pie, resulting in a rich and hearty dish filled with real chunks of white meat chicken. The crust actually flakes, unlike many others that promise but don’t deliver.
The flavors are robust, creating a satisfying experience that pays homage to classic French techniques. It’s a dish that invites diners into a cozy, flavorful journey.
For those seeking a touch of elegance in comfort food, this pot pie shines with distinction.
15. Claim Jumper
Claim Jumper offers one of the best chain chicken pot pies, with a massive size full of flavor. It’s baked in a dish with a puff pastry crust that stays crisp, making it a true classic comfort food done right.
The dish delivers on taste and portion, ensuring diners leave both satisfied and impressed. It’s a meal that promises warmth and delivers beautifully on its promise.
For those seeking classic comfort, this pot pie is a standout choice.